Utility tool device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are compact and portable devices comprising a combination of tools and that are shaped to facilitate being conveniently carried by a user in an unobtrusive manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/730,659 filed Nov. 28, 2012 and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/800,388, filed Mar. 15, 2013, and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/090,980, entitled “Utility Tool Deviceand Related Methods and Systems,” filed on Nov. 26, 2013. The entireteachings of the above applications are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Combination tools are commercially available; however, such tools arefrequently large or bulky in nature, making them inconvenient for a userto carry. Due in part to their large or bulky size, users are oftenreluctant to carry the tool and as a result such tools are not readilyavailable when needed.

While previous attempts have been made to develop miniaturized versionsof combination tools, frequently such miniaturized tools are constructedof materials that are not suitable for withstanding the stressestypically placed on them when used for their intended purposes. Forexample, torque forces applied to such tools may cause them to bend,warp or even break, thereby negating the utility of such tools. As aresult, such tools have been made suitably strong by designing them witha substantially thickened body, which renders such tool obtrusive tocarry by discerning users.

Needed are combination or multi-function tools and devices that arecapable of being easily carried unobtrusively by a user. Particularlyneeded are convenient, portable combination tools that can withstandforces that are typically applied to such tools during routine operationwhile resisting bending, warping or breaking. Preferably, such toolswould afford a user with access to multiple tools in a compact and lowprofile design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a device that provides a user with multiple toolsand functions in a compact and easily portable design. The devicedisclosed herein is fabricated to withstand forces (e.g., torque forces)well in excess of those that are routinely applied during standardoperation, while resisting plastic deformation and despite having a lowprofile (e.g., less than about 2.0 mm).

In one embodiment the present invention relates to a device thatcomprises a substantially flat body (e.g., a body that has thedimensions of, or similar to a credit card). The flat or substantiallyflat nature of the device disclosed herein renders such device easilyportable (e.g., in a user's purse or wallet) and unobtrusive. The flator substantially flat body of the device generally comprises a pluralityof tools formed on or about such flat or substantially flat body. Suchtools may be formed in the body of the device as one or more cutouts,apertures, contours and/or inscriptions. For example, in certainembodiments such tools may comprise one or more of a screwdriver (e.g.,a slotted or Phillips screwdriver), a bottle cap opener, a wrench, acutting apparatus, a lockout tool, a cord wrap tool and a ruler. Incertain embodiments, the body of the device is irregularly shaped.

The device disclosed herein may comprise one or more screwdrivers (e.g.,a screwdriver that is configured to turn a Phillips head screw or ametric M6 bolt) formed in the body of such device. For example, such ascrewdriver may be a Phillips screwdriver (e.g., a two-dimensionalPhillips screwdriver formed in the body of a device as an angled planarprotrusion). In some embodiments, the screwdriver may be configured toturn a Phillips screw, for example, by including an angled planarprotrusion. Similarly, the body of such device may comprise one or moreAllen keys or wrenches that can be inserted into and turn a bolt orscrew having a hexagonal depression.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the tools maycomprise an optional cutting apparatus, such as a blade or a letteropener having an angled edge. In yet other embodiments, the tools maycomprise one or more wrenches (e.g., a plurality of nested wrenches)that are configured to accommodate one or more hexagonal bolts ofvarying size.

The tools may further comprise one or more functional inscriptions, suchas one or more rulers. In certain embodiments, such inscriptions mayfurther comprise one or more labels or identifiers for eachcorresponding tool.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the tools anddevice disclosed herein are formed of a metal (e.g., stainless steel,ferromagnetic steel, other purpose steels, titanium or aluminum). Somesuch metals (e.g., a soft stamped metal) may be subjected to treatment(e.g., heating and quenching in oil to harden followed by tempering toreduce brittleness) to further strengthen such tools. Preferably, thetools may withstand at least about 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25,30, 40, 50 or more inch-pounds of torque (e.g., applied in-plane of thedevice body) despite the substantially flat configuration or profile ofthe device body.

In accordance with an embodiment, the device disclosed herein issubstantially flat. The body of such device may have dimensions that areless than about the size of a standard credit card (e.g., a credit cardthat complies with the ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 card size standard). Forexample, in some aspects the dimensions of the device body disclosedherein are less than about 85.60 mm.times.53.98 mm.times.0.76 mm, orless than about 107 mm.times.68 mm.times.1 mm, or less than about 107mm.times.68 mm.times.1.5 mm, or less than about 107 mm.times.68mm.times.1.1 mm. In certain embodiments, the body of such device mayhave dimensions that are substantially similar to the size of a creditcard (e.g., a credit card that complies with the ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 cardsize standard).

The body of the device may further comprise one or more cutouts orapertures formed therein and configured to accept a supporting member(e.g., a credit card-sized or credit card-shaped supporting member) suchthat the supporting member and the body of the device are orientedsubstantially orthogonal to one another and, as a result, the device maybe used as an easel to support one or more objects such as a mobiledevice (e.g., a cellular telephone, smartphone, personal digitalassistant, mobile computing device, or tablet computer). For example, incertain embodiments, such a cutout or aperture comprises or consists ofan undulating curvilinear elongate aperture passing through the body ofthe device. In certain implementations, such a cutout or aperture isconfigured to accept and frictionally engage a supporting member (e.g.,an approximately credit card-sized supporting member). In suchembodiments, preferably the difference between the height of such cutoutor aperture and the thickness of the supporting member (e.g., a creditcard) is great enough to position the center of mass of the mobiledevice behind the front pivot point, but less than the height at whichthe angle formed between the supporting member and the device body wouldexceed the angle at which a typical mobile device (e.g., an APPLEIPHONE), placed on its side on the supporting member (e.g., a creditcard), will not overcome a force quantified by a coefficient of staticfriction between the mobile device and the supporting member.

Also provided herein is a method of supporting a mobile device using thedevice disclosed herein. Such method generally includes a step ofproviding the device of the present invention that has an elongatecutout or aperture (e.g., a sinusoidal cutout or an undulatingcurvilinear elongate aperture) passing therethrough. In certain aspects,such elongate cutout or aperture is configured to accept andfrictionally engage an approximately credit card-sized supporting member(e.g., a standard credit card).

Also disclosed herein is a system for supporting a mobile device. Suchsystem generally includes the device of the present invention and one ormore supporting members, wherein the device has a substantially flatdevice body that includes an elongate cutout or aperture (e.g., asinusoidal cutout or an undulating curvilinear elongate aperture) thatis configured to accept and frictionally engage the one or moresupporting members. Frictionally engaging the device body and the one ormore supporting members forms a supporting stand, which may beconveniently used to support a mobile device.

The device disclosed herein may further include a torsion spring. Such atorsion spring may be configured to allow a user to clip the device ontopersonal items. Similarly, the device disclosed herein may be magnetizedor further include one or more magnets. Such magnets may be used toaffix the device to surfaces (e.g., a refrigerator) for convenient useraccess. In certain embodiments, the body of the device may be formed ofa magnetized metal.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the devicedisclosed herein may be prepared in a bent configuration or slightlybent to accommodate additional functionality. For example, protrusionsmay be formed either in or out of the plane of the body of the deviceand such protrusions may be bent or shaped to achieve one or moredesired functions (e.g., to function as a clip for storing valuables orcurrency). Similarly, the tools may comprise one or more rings tofacilitate additional protrusions (e.g., a plurality of Allen-key wrenchprotrusions) or to simply attach the tool or device to a keychain forenhanced portability.

The above discussed and many other features and attendant advantages ofthe present invention will become better understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the tool device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the tooldevice.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the tool devicefrictionally engaged with a credit card-sized supporting member to forma supporting stand.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of one embodiment of the tool devicefrictionally engaged with a credit card-sized supporting member to forma supporting stand.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the tool devicefrictionally engaged with a credit card-sized supporting member to forma supporting stand. The device body and supporting member are orientedat an angle a, at which such device body and supporting stand aresubstantially orthogonal to one another.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view from the back of one embodiment ofthe tool device frictionally engaged with a credit card-sized supportingmember to form a supporting stand. As illustrated in FIG. 6, thesupporting stand is capable of supporting a mobile device.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the tool devicefrictionally engaged with a credit card-sized supporting member to forma supporting stand. The device body and supporting member are orientedat an angle a, at which such device body and supporting member aresubstantially orthogonal to one another. As illustrated in FIG. 7, thesupporting stand is capable of supporting a mobile device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein is a multipurpose device formed from a substantiallyflat body 1, thereby making such device easily portable by a user. Inaddition to its portability, the device disclosed herein ischaracterized by its strength and durability and in particular, is ableto withstand normal use conditions without bending, warping or otherwisebreaking. Such characteristics are particularly surprising in view ofthe compact size (e.g., less than about 1-2 mm in thickness) and shapesof the device disclosed herein.

The present inventions relate to the discovery that materials typicallyemployed to fabricate flat metal objects are not suitable to manufacturethe device that is the subject of the present invention. While certaintraditional materials (e.g., stainless steel, general purpose steel, oraluminum) may be suitable for constructing flat metal objects, suchobjects are not suitable for use as tools because of their inability towithstand normal forces without deforming. While harder metals such ascarbon steel may be employed to construct the subject device, suchmetals cause significant damage to the machinery, tooling or equipment(e.g., punches, stamps and dies) used to manufacture such device. Forexample, such metals often damage the metal stamps and dies that areused to manufacture the subject device. More expensive materials (e.g.,titanium) are not suitable, as the cost of the final product wouldexceed the optimal market price point.

To overcome such challenges, the device disclosed herein is constructedof metals (e.g., stainless steel such as Grade 410), and subsequentlyexposed to further heat treatment to strengthen such device and the oneor more tools comprised therein. For example, to further strengthen suchdevice selected metals may be subjected to heating and quenching in oilto harden such metals followed by tempering to reduce brittleness. Suchmanufacturing processes impart increased strength and durability to thedevice disclosed herein. For example, in certain embodiments the devicedisclosed herein has dimensions that are smaller than, or similar to thesize of a standard or traditional credit card (e.g., less thanapproximately 85.60 mm.times.53.98 mm.times.1.5, or less thanapproximately 85.60 mm.times.53.98 mm 0.76 mm), yet are able towithstand at least about 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 45, 50 or more inch-pounds of torque. As a result, the subjectdevice is portable and is of sufficient strength and durability towithstand normal use without deforming.

FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein like parts are designated by like referencenumerals throughout, illustrate example embodiments of the device.Although the present invention will be described with reference to theexample embodiments illustrated in the figures, it should be understoodthat many alternative forms can embody the present invention. One ofskill in the art will additionally appreciate different ways to alterthe parameters of the embodiments disclosed, such as the size, shape, ortype of elements or materials, in a manner still in keeping with thespirit and scope of the present invention.

Directing attention to FIGS. 1 through 7, illustrated are exemplaryembodiments of the subject device. The body of the device is designated1, and as illustrated in each of FIGS. 1 through 7, the body 1 issubstantially flat. As used herein with reference to a device, the term“substantially flat” generally means that the body 1 of such device isplanar, but may include one or more minor non-planar areas orprotrusions (e.g., to impart certain functionality to the device or oneor more tools comprised therein). For example, in certain embodiments,the body of the device 1 disclosed herein may be planar, with theexception of a screwdriver tool 2 comprising an angled planar ornon-planar protrusion formed in the body 1 of the device. In someembodiments, such an angled planar or non-planar protrusion may enhancethe ability of such a screwdriver tool 2 to turn a Phillips-head screw.Similarly, in other embodiments, the device disclosed herein may beprepared in a slightly bent configuration to accommodate additionalfunctionality, such as a clip for storing valuables or currency.Preferably, such non-planar areas or protrusions are unobtrusive, do notrender the device obtrusive and do not diminish the portability of thedevice (e.g., the portability of the device in a wallet or purse of auser). For example, in certain embodiments such non-planar areas orprotrusions maintain the low profile nature of the device, such that thebody 1 of the device remains less than about 1.0 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm,1.75 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.25 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.75mm or 4.0 mm in thickness.

The bodies 1 of the depicted devices comprise a plurality of toolsformed therein. In certain embodiments, one or more of such tools areformed by cutouts or apertures. As used herein to describe one or moretools, the terms “cutout” and “aperture” generally refer to a structure(e.g., a structure formed by the negative space of the cutout oraperture) that is made in or about the body 1 of the device, for exampleby cutting or otherwise removing a portion of the device body 1 to formthe structure (e.g. a tool structure). In certain embodiments, theactual tool structure (e.g., nested wrenches 12 or a bottle cap opener3) is formed by the negative space of the cutout or aperture in the body1 of the device. Directing attention to FIGS. 1 and 2, a bottle capopener 3, an elongate undulating curvilinear elongate slot or aperture11 configured to accept and frictionally engage a supporting member(e.g., a credit card-sized supporting member), and a series of nestedwrenches 12 are each depicted as cutouts in the body 1 of the device.

In accordance with the present invention, the device described hereinmay comprise one or more whimsical caricatures 4 or shapes that resemblethe likeness of, for example, an animal (e.g., a monkey) or an animatedcaricature (e.g., a ninja). Alternatively, such caricatures 4 may besubstituted with a logo (e.g., a corporate logo) or other promotionaldesignation.

As illustrated in each of FIGS. 1 and 2, the device described herein maycomprise one or more screwdrivers 2, 8 and 10. Such screwdrivers may beslotted (e.g., a micro-sized slotted screwdriver) or a Phillipsscrewdriver. For example, in certain embodiments, such a screwdriver(e.g., a screwdriver 2 capable of turning a Phillips-head screw) maycomprise an angled planar protrusion. Other contemplated tools includeone or more protrusion 5 for wrapping a cord (e.g., an electrical cord),a lockout tool 6 useful for opening locked doors, one or more cuttingapparatuses, such as a letter opener 7, and a peeler 13 (e.g., a fruitpeeler). In view of the substantially flat shape of the device disclosedherein, such device is capable of placement in small areas, thereforemaking it particularly suitable for use, for example, as a letter openeror a lockout tool. The device may further comprise one or morefunctional inscriptions, such as for example, a ruler 9.

In accordance with the present invention, the device disclosed hereinmay comprise one or more Allen key or hex wrenches or protrusions thatare suitable for turning a screw or bolt having a hexagonal depressionor slot.

The device disclosed herein may further be configured as a supportingstand, for example to support a mobile device. As used herein, thephrase “supporting stand” generally refers to an easel-like support orstand that is capable of supporting a mobile device and that is formedby configuring or coupling the device of the present invention with oneor more supporting members 30 (e.g., a credit card). Accordingly, thedevice disclosed herein may be configured to accept (e.g., slidablyaccept or frictionally accept) a supporting member 30 (e.g., a creditcard) in an elongate cutout, slot or aperture 11, as illustrated, forexample in FIGS. 3 through 7. Such elongate cutout, slot or aperture 11may comprise one or more planar protrusions and wherein such planarprotrusions facilitate or otherwise enhance the ability of the elongatecutout, slot or aperture 11 to frictionally engage the supporting member30. Such planar protrusions may extend or protrude into the negativespace formed by the elongate cutout or aperture to increase the contactarea that such planar protrusion has with a supporting member introducedthrough such elongate cutout or aperture. For example, the body 1 of thedevice disclosed herein may comprise a sinusoidal or wave-like elongatecutout, slot or aperture having protrusions (e.g., one or more planar“peaks” or “troughs” of a sinusoidal elongate aperture extending intothe negative space of such an elongate aperture) capable of frictionallyengaging a supporting member 30 that is passed therethrough. Similarly,in certain embodiments, the body 1 of the device disclosed herein maycomprise an undulating curvilinear elongate aperture, slot or cutout 11having planar protrusions (e.g., one or more planar “peaks” or “troughs”of such undulating curvilinear elongate cutout, slot or aperture)capable of frictionally engaging a supporting member 30 that is passedtherethrough.

It should be understood that while the present invention as disclosedherein can make use of a sinusoidal or an undulating curvilinearelongate aperture 11 passing through the body 1 of the device, the shapeof such aperture is not limited to the specific illustrative examplesdescribed herein. Rather, the apertures and cutouts of the presentinvention may be designed to assume various shapes to frictionallyengage a supporting member 30. For example, the device body 1 mayinclude an elongate cutout or aperture having one or more planarnotches, projections or protrusions to facilitate the frictionalengagement of the supporting member 30. The elongate aperture mayinclude one or more pointed, jagged, square-like, step-like,saw-toothed, saw-like or serrated planar projections to facilitate orenhance the frictional engagement of the supporting member 30. Forexample, such an elongate aperture may include a pattern of repeatingplanar projections that are capable of contacting and frictionallyengaging a supporting member (e.g., a credit card-shaped supportingmember). Such planar projections frictionally engage a supporting member30 in a position substantially orthogonal to the body 1 of the device.As used herein with respect to the orientation of the device body 1 andthe supporting member 30, the term “substantially” generally refers toranges within about within ten percent.

With reference to FIGS. 3 through 7, when coupled or configured withsuch a supporting member 30 (e.g., a credit card-sized supportingmember) inserted partially through the aperture 11 in the body 1 of thedevice, the resulting supporting stand may be used to support a mobiledevice 60. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the body 1 of the deviceincludes an aperture (e.g., an undulating curvilinear elongate aperture11) that frictionally engages the supporting member 30 at an angle a,such that the supporting member 30 is substantially orthogonal to thesubstantially flat body 1 of the device, thus forming a supporting standto support a mobile device 60. In accordance with aspects of the presentinvention, the difference between the height of the elongate cutout oraperture (e.g., the undulating curvilinear elongate aperture 11) and thethickness of the supporting member 30 (e.g., a credit card) can be greatenough to position the center of mass of the mobile device behind thefront pivot point, but less than the height at which the angle a formedbetween the supporting member 30 and the device body 1 would exceed theangle a at which a typical mobile device 60, placed on its side on thesupporting member 30 (e.g., a credit card), will not overcome a forcequantified by a coefficient of static friction between the mobile device60 and the supporting member 30 (e.g., a credit card).

Accordingly, also provided herein are methods of supporting a mobiledevice 60 using the device disclosed herein. Such methods generallycomprise a step of providing the device of the present invention thatcomprises an undulating curvilinear elongate aperture 11 passingtherethrough and that is configured to accept and frictionally engage anapproximately credit card-sized supporting member 30 (e.g., a standardcredit card). As depicted for example in FIGS. 3 through 7, thesupporting member 30 may be frictionally engaged with the undulatingcurvilinear elongate aperture 11 of the device body 1 such that thesupporting member 30 and the device body 1 are oriented at an angle(e.g., angle a illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7), such that the supportingmember 30 and device body 1 are substantially orthogonal to one another,to thereby form a supporting stand. The mobile device 60 may bepositioned or placed onto the supporting stand to thereby support suchmobile device. In certain embodiments, orienting the supporting member30 (e.g., a credit card) at an angle (e.g., with reference to FIGS. 5and 7, angle a) greater than about 90 degrees. (e.g., at an angle agreater or equal to about 90 degrees, 91 degrees, 92 degrees, 93degrees, 94 degrees, 95 degrees, 96 degrees, 97 degrees, 98 degrees or99 degrees) relative to the device body 1 causes the undulatingcurvilinear elongate aperture 11 to further frictionally engage thesupporting member 30.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, orienting the supporting member 30(e.g., a credit card) at an angle (e.g., with reference to FIGS. 5 and7, angle a) greater than about 90 degrees (e.g., at an angle a greateror equal to about 90 degrees, 91 degrees, 92 degrees, 93 degrees, 94degrees, 95 degrees, 95 degrees, 97 degrees, 98 degrees, 99 degrees, 100degrees, 105 degrees, 110 degrees, 115 degrees, 120 degrees, 125degrees, 130 degrees, 135 degrees, 140 degrees, 145 degrees, 150degrees, 155 degrees, 160 degrees, or more) relative to the device body1 may increase or otherwise enhance the extent to which the device body1 frictionally engages the supporting member 30.

As used herein, the phrase “frictionally engage” generally means thereis resistance to sliding the supporting member 30 through the elongateaperture, slot or cutout (e.g., an undulating curvilinear elongateaperture 11) of the device body 1 of the present invention. Suchresistance causes the device body 1 and supporting member 30 to bephysically coupled (e.g., coupled perpendicularly relative to eachother), thereby forming a supporting stand. In those implementationswhere the supporting member 30 comprises a credit card, the raisedlettering, numbers or other markings (e.g., a user's name or issuinginstitution, a credit card number and/or an expiration date) found onsuch credit card may also contribute to or otherwise facilitate thefrictional engagement of such credit card by the elongate aperture orcutout (e.g., the undulating curvilinear elongate aperture 11).

Also disclosed herein are systems for supporting a mobile device. Suchsystems generally comprise the device of the present invention and oneor more supporting members 30, wherein the device includes asubstantially flat device body 1 that comprises an elongate cutout oraperture (e.g., undulating curvilinear elongate aperture 11) that isconfigured to accept and frictionally engage the one or more supportingmembers 30. Frictionally engaging the device body 1 and the one or moresupporting members 30 forms a supporting stand, which may beconveniently used to support a mobile device.

The articles “a” and “an” as used herein in the specification and in theclaims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understoodto include the plural referents. Claims or descriptions that include“or” between one or more members of a group are considered satisfied ifone, more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employedin, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process unless indicatedto the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. The inventionincludes embodiments in which exactly one member of the group is presentin, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process.The invention also includes embodiments in which more than one or theentire group members are present in, employed in or otherwise relevantto a given product or process. Furthermore, it is to be understood thatthe invention encompasses all variations, combinations, and permutationsin which one or more limitations, elements, clauses, descriptive terms,etc., from one or more of the listed claims is introduced into anotherclaim dependent on the same base claim (or, as relevant, any otherclaim) unless otherwise indicated or unless it would be evident to oneof ordinary skill in the art that a contradiction or inconsistency wouldarise. Where elements are presented as lists, (e.g., in Markush group orsimilar format) it is to be understood that each subgroup of theelements is also disclosed, and any element(s) can be removed from thegroup. It should be understood that, in general, where the invention, oraspects of the invention, is/are referred to as comprising particularelements, features, etc., certain embodiments of the invention oraspects of the invention consist, or consist essentially of, suchelements, features, etc. For purposes of simplicity those embodimentshave not in every case been specifically set forth in so many wordsherein. It should also be understood that any embodiment or aspect ofthe invention can be explicitly excluded from the claims, regardless ofwhether the specific exclusion is recited in the specification. Theentire contents of all of the references (including literaturereferences, issued patents and published patent applications andwebsites) cited throughout this application are hereby expresslyincorporated by reference.

Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the presentinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of theforegoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construedas illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Details ofthe structure may vary substantially without departing from the spiritof the present invention, and exclusive use of all modifications thatcome within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. Within thisspecification embodiments have been described in a way which enables aclear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended andwill be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined orseparated without parting from the invention. It is intended that thepresent invention be limited only to the extent required by the appendedclaims and the applicable rules of law.

What is claimed is:
 1. A substantially flat, planar device comprisingtwo or more tools wherein: a. the two or more tools are formed on or inthe body by one or more cutouts, apertures, contours, or inscriptions;b. the flat body is comprised of metal; and c. one of the two or moretools is a micro screwdriver having a tapered, slotted tip.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the slotted tip is between 1.0 mm and 3.0 mmin width.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the dimensions of the devicebody are less than about 107 mm in length and 68 mm in width.
 4. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the slotted end is tapered to within a rangeof between 0.6 mm and 0.2 mm in thickness.
 5. A substantially flat,planar device comprising two or more tools wherein: a. the two or moretools are formed on or in the body by one or more cutouts, apertures,contours, or inscriptions; b. the flat body is comprised of metal; andc. one of the two or more tools is a Phillips screwdriver comprising anangled protrusion so as to create a two-dimensional Phillips screwdrivertip.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein the angled protrusion has anincluded angle of approximately 57 degrees.
 7. A substantially flat,planar device comprising two or more tools wherein: a. the two or moretools are formed on or in the body by one or more cutouts, apertures,contours, or inscriptions; b. the flat body is comprised of metal; andc. one of the two or more tools is a letter opener wherein the letteropener is further comprised of an angled portion and a linear leadingedge, the angled portion and the linear leading edge being proximal toone another.
 8. The device of claim 7 wherein the dimensions of thedevice body are less than about 107 mm in length and 68 mm in width. 9.The device of claim 7 wherein the angled portion is tapered.
 10. Thedevice of claim 7 wherein the angled portion is comprised of acurvature.
 11. The device of claim 7 wherein the linear leading edge isless than about 30 mm in length.
 12. A device comprising a substantiallyflat body comprising two or more tools wherein: a. the two or more toolsare formed on or in the body by one or more cutouts, apertures,contours, or inscriptions; b. the flat body is comprised of metal; andc. one of the two or more tools is a fruit peeler formed as an arcwithin the flat body and having a cutting protrusion integral to thearc.
 13. The device of claim 12 wherein the dimensions of the devicebody are less than about 107 mm in length and 68 mm in width.
 14. Thedevice of claim 12 wherein the cutting protrusion has a cutting edge,the cutting edge being located approximately in the center of the arc.15. The device of claim 12 wherein the cutting protrusion has a roundedend.
 16. The device of claim 12 wherein the cutting protrusion extends adistance of between 2 mm and 10 mm radially in from the arc.
 17. Thedevice of claim 12, wherein the arc has a radius of between 1 inch and 4inches.
 18. A device comprising a substantially flat body comprising twoor more tools wherein: a. the two or more tools are formed on or in thebody by one or more cutouts, apertures, contours, or inscriptions; b.the flat body is comprised of metal; and c. one of the two or more toolsis a lockout tool wherein the lockout tool is further comprised of acutout portion and a protruding portion, the cutout portion sized to fitaround a door knob latch and the protruding portion being thin enough toslide into the crack formed between a door knob latch and a door jamwhen the door is closed.
 19. The device of claim 18 wherein thedimensions of the device body are less than about 107 mm in length and68 mm in width.
 20. The device of claim 18 wherein the protrudingportion has a width between 1.5 mm and 5 mm.
 21. The device of claim 18wherein the cutout portion has a width of at least 0.5 inches.
 22. Thedevice of claim 18 wherein the cutout portion has a depth of at least0.25 inches.